Kentucky bucks trend of cutting higher education funding in rural states, increases support instead – Public News Service

In Hazard, Kentucky, a small community nestled in the hills of Southeast Kentucky, residents are facing a dilemma when it comes to pursuing higher education. With a shortage of teachers and limited educational opportunities, many residents are place-bound, unable to pursue a four-year degree without leaving their beloved town.

Recent high school graduate Haley Autumn Dawn Ann Crank dreams of becoming a teacher, but the closest public university is a four-hour roundtrip commute away. This situation is not unique to Hazard, as many rural communities across America face similar challenges of limited access to higher education.

Recognizing the need to address the low levels of college attainment in Southeast Kentucky, the Kentucky legislature is exploring ways to bring baccalaureate degrees to the region. One proposed solution is to turn Hazard’s community and technical college into a standalone institution offering degrees in high-demand fields like teaching and nursing.

While this initiative has the potential to bring economic growth and opportunity to the region, there are significant costs and risks involved. Building a new college and running it would require substantial investment, and there is no guarantee of enrollment or job opportunities for graduates.

Despite the challenges, many residents and community leaders are hopeful that a four-year college in Hazard could transform the region and provide much-needed educational opportunities for its residents. The decision now rests with the Kentucky legislature, as they consider the feasibility and impact of bringing four-year degrees to this underserved corner of the state.

As Hazard grapples with its past as a coal mining town and looks towards a brighter future, the possibility of a four-year college stands as a beacon of hope for the community and its residents. The potential benefits of such an institution could not only change the lives of individuals like Haley Crank but also uplift the entire region, paving the way for a new chapter in Hazard’s story.